Self, Identity, and Groups

PSY 1537 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

Our sense of who we are permeates every aspect of life—it shapes where we live, who we feel connected to, which communities we join, whom we see as our enemies, and even how we vote. “Who am I?” This deceptively simple question—what William James called psychology’s most perplexing puzzle—is one we all confront. Answers might point to our traits or preferences (“I’m a social person”), our roles (“I’m a student”), or our group memberships (“I’m a Harvard student”), among others. This course explores the psychology of self and identity.

We ask how people come to understand who they are and how others shape that understanding; why people feel positively or negatively about themselves; how culture influences the self; how social and group identities affect attitudes and behavior toward outgroup members; how identity processes can contribute to intergroup conflict but also foster cooperation in addressing collective challenges. The course integrates classical and contemporary psychological research, beginning with the individual self—self-concept, self-esteem, and self-presentation—and then turning to social and group identity processes, including identity’s role in intergroup conflict and cooperation.
 

Recommended Prep

The Psychology Department requires completion of Science of Living Systems 20 or Psychology 1 or the equivalent of introductory psychology (e.g. Psych AP=5 or IB =7 or Psyc S-1) and at least one foundational course from MCB/NEURO 80, PSY 11, PSY 14, PSY 15, PSY 16, or PSY 18 before enrolling in this course; or permission of instructor.